Design Review

Dan Hopkins Designs General Printing Guidelines

Not sure what print style is right for you? Check out the sample video next to each description to see a detailed video of the print!   Some print styles do have file restrictions and apparel order minimums. Please read each service to know what is expected when you order.

Silk Screen Printing

Silk Screen printing is our main printing specialty, and your solution for when you need any customized gear delivered fast! It has been used for more than 100 years by both commercial printing companies and artist.

First a digital design is created on the computer. Then the colors are separated and printed onto a clear film negative. From the film negative a meshed screen is created under light producing a "Stencil" ready to be locked into a machine so colored ink can be ran across it with a squeegee. This step is repeated for multiple colors one layer on top of the other. Then the ink is heat dried to cure the ink onto the shirt.

Sample Video

  • The ink colors used in the design must meet the order minimum for the amount of apparel ordered. The ink colors are counted per color, per side and added together. ( ORDER MIN 1-2 Ink Colors = 25  /  3-4 Ink Colors = 40 / 4+ Ink Colors = 50). 

  • Screens are NOT Saved. Any new or repeat jobs will inquire the same set-up fees. Although, artwork and film negatives are ALWAYS saved for repeat job so your design will remain the same.

  • Apparel order invoices and Artwork Design Proof must be signed and approved prior to Print production.

  • All Payment Arrangements must be finalized before entering Print Production. At least a 50% deposit will be collected in order to finalize

  • All Merchandise and apparel will be supplied by the printer. Custom clothing is not accepted.

  • Any merchandise unclaimed over 3 months will be donated to a worthy cause.

Accepted File Types

Every design that is submitted must be the correct quality to ensure the best possible outcome for each print. If not then our design team can make the necessary changes that will best prepare the design for print, and then will always check with the client for approval!

All "Vector" based images are accepted. Although most images are JPEG's and are created from "Pixels". This makes it impossible to separate the colors in a workable file, and they become pixelated when the image gets larger or is printed. A vector based file is a design created in a specific program and is able to create these crisp clean  images that I will need to print onto shirt, or cut vinyl.  

Sample Video

  • Accepted files -  Vector Artwork including .AI, .PSD, EPS, or workable PDF files are all print ready accepted files.   JPEG Files are also accepted, But will have an additional charge to make the design print ready.

  • Any other files that are submitted will be reviewed and charged the appropriate design fee. ( Artwork Design fee starts at $25 and is aloud 1 free edits with your initial design. It can be edited in anyway, size, position, color, images, wording, or completely go in another direction…but any edits after this have additional charges.)

  • Artwork with a blended color ( or Gradient ) will be charged slightly more for design or have that color in the design removed and replaced with a solid spot color. The artwork requires halftone print for the effect to be printed.

  • Artwork is NOT released until a confirmation on the order is made.  Including –artwork, number of shirts being ordered, shirt colors, shirt style, ink colors, front/back, etc...

DONT HAVE A DESIGN!?    WE CAN DESIGN ONE FOR YOU!

  • NEED A SHIRT DESIGN FOR YOUR EVENT? In some cases you will need a design before you know a complete shirt order. This is mostly for organizations that will "promote" the event in forms of t-shirts and need a design to sell shirts or sales in advance. It will be $25 for me to release the artwork early to have before the apparel order. But then NO design charge when the apparel is printed for your order.

Screen Set-up and size

  • SETUP
  • Print orders are broken up into colors. Each color and location requires its own screen. Screens are $12.50/ea. Per color and Location.

  • PRINT SIZE AND LOCATION
    • A standard “Full Size” Print is 12’’x12’’. Max Size Print Size: 13’’x16’’ although comes with an additional setup fee.

    • A pocket size print is around 4” x 4” and placed on left chest

    • Normal back print starts around 4-5 inches off the colar.

  • INK STANDARDS 
    • UNDER BASE PRINT - Dark colored apparel requires a WHITE ink UNDER BASE first before any color. This is so the colors appear Bright on dark colored shirts. THIS WILL INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL SCREEN.

    • INK SWAP - Add $10.00 for each ink swap  (Example: If you would like some shirts with black ink and some with red ink)

    • SPECIAL INK COLORS ( Glow, Florescent, Metallic, Discharge, or stretch Ink ) will have additional charges.

    • CMYK SIMULATED PROCESS PRINTING. Order Min 75 and must be done on light colored apparel.

  • FINISHING SERVICES
    • Custom Tags or labels can be applied, but price will vary depending on the size of the order.

    • Apparel can be individually packaged in plastic bags for re-sale. Although price will vary depending on the size of the order.

Embroidery

Embroidery is long-lasting and durable thread that is stitched directly into the apparel. Embroidering your design adds an extra level of sophistication, making it the perfect choice for a businesses, or high end apparel.

Our high-capacity embroidery studio enables us to embroider almost any design on any merchandise. Although the detail of your design may be limited more than prints with ink.

Sample Video

  • The thread colors used in the design must meet the order minimum for the amount of apparel ordered. The ink colors are counted per color, per side and added together. ( ORDER MIN 1-2 Thread Colors = 15  /  3-4 Thread Colors = 30 / 4+ Thread Colors = 50). 

  • Each design is charged by "Thread Count" and price will vary depending on the amount of thread used.

  • Each job will be written out as a new order number. ( This included repeat jobs with the same artwork )

  • Apparel order invoices and Artwork Proof must be signed and approved prior to Print production.

  • All Payment Arrangements must be finalized before entering Print Production. At least a 50% deposit will be collected in order to finalize

Vinyl Heat Press / Sublimation

Vinyl heat press is a professional printing method that uses a cut vinyl transfer to apply images directly onto your t-shirt. It is offered in many colors and is perfect for simple 1 color prints, or custom last names and numbers!

A vinyl material is cut from a machine with a blade. The excess material is removed and then design is placed onto the apparel. The apparel with the vinyl design is the pressed down at high temperatures from a heat press machine. This bonds the design to the apparel and it can be worn and washed like normal! 

  • The pricing on each shirt will depend on the complexity of the design and amount of vinyl colors used. ( NO MINIMUM ORDER! )

  • May be limited to shirt color, or material of apparel. Vinyl heat press will adhere to most fabrics but some apparel may be restricted from this print style

  • Custom names = $3.00/ea  - 6" Custom Numbers = $1.25/ea Digit

  • The vinyl colors used are from a chart and custom colors cannot be mixed. Also Special colors ( glitter or glow in dark ) may not be in stock. 

Sample Video

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SUBLMIATION

Sublimation offers a FULL COLOR print option at NO ORDER MIN. Adding a high resolution image to your merchandise is a perfect way to give it a unique and bold style.

The image is designed and then printed onto sublimation transfer paper with special sublimation ink. The sublimation paper is then placed into a heat press with the material and exposed to high temperatures of about 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is when the ink and transfer material turn from solid to gas. Once they are in a gas state, they permeate the fibers of the material leaving a permanent full color design on the apparel.

Sample Video

  • This is a full color print option with  ( NO MINIMUM ORDER! )

  • Each design is charged by "Thread Count" and price will vary depending on the amount of thread used.

  • Each job will be written out as a new order number. ( This included repeat jobs with the same artwork )

  • Apparel order invoices and Artwork Proof must be signed and approved prior to Print production.

    May be limitied to shirt color, or material of apparel

  • All Payment Arrangements must be finalized before entering Print Production. At least a 50% deposit will be collected in order to finalize

Logo Design / Company Branding

Does your company or event need a logo!? Logo Design is slightly different than my normal shirt design process. A logo design it lets you be a little more involved in the creative process and have control over your, font style, images, color, and allows for several edits!

Most design companies will supply you with  1  version of artwork with no edits. This gives you 3 variations and 2 edits under the initial design agreement!

Sample Video

  • Normal charge for logo design is around $100. Although if you plan on ordering shirts or apparel and applying the print onto them I offer around a 50% discount. (Logo Design charge will be $50 – with min order of 30 pieces of apparel).

  • After payment and within 2-3 business days I will send you 3 variations of your design based on the info you supplied.

  • From here you get 2 free edits to any of these designs. You can have these edited in anyway, mix match ideas from designs, or completely go in another direction. But this gives you control over the edits.

  • After the design is completed and you are happy I can give you the digital artwork files so you can use it on whatever you want. You own the design and can use it on business cards, letter heads, or any promotional advertisement you would like.

Signs / Vinyl Applications

We offer a wide variety of sign material and applications to display the images you need.  This can be installed on vehicles, trailer, or even store front windows! Whether you had a last minute idea or need to make a statement for your business we can find the sign for you!

Yard Signs, Banners with grommets, Light up signs, metal signs, vehicle decals, store window graphics, and more. We can supply you with any color vinyl in any size that is just right for your advertisement!

Sample Video

  • Yard signs must be ordered in ( MIN OF 10 ) and do not come with ground stakes unless requested.

  • Each price on the sign or vinyl application will vary depending on the material and size of the sign. ( charged by sq/ft. )

  • A separate installation charge will be added if the vinyl or sign needs to be installed. ( most will need a professional installation )

 

Paper Print / Promotional Items

Not just shirts and signs! We offer a huge selection of printed goods. Business Cards, Stickers, Promo Flyers, and more!

Find the right application for your audience and put your logo on anything from key-chains to koozies. 

Check out more here!

  • Artwork that is not supplied with have a separate "design charge"

  • some printed material will have an ORDER MIN.

Shipping and Turn-around time

  • Standard Turnaround time is 7-10 Business days from the time the order is approved and payment has been received.

  • We will accept “Rush Orders” only if we can accommodate the order without jeopardizing the final product.Rush order fees are as Follows:

    • 2 Day Turnaround: 50% of Order.
    • 3 Day Turnaround: 40% of Order.
    • 4 Day Turnaround: 30% of Order.
    • 5-6 Day Turnaround: 20% of Order.
  • Orders are picked up on location. Delivery is available upon request but only within 10 miles and at the availability of delivery driver.

  • Shirt shipping cost depends on the weight and where the boxes are traveling to, Although is usually around $20 per box ( a box holds around 100 shirts ).

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